Dover man hopeful despite being paralyzed after surgery

Fran Brogan of Dover didn’t really consider paralysis when he went to Aultman Hospital to have a herniated disk removed. But that's exactly what happened.

By Meghan Millea

Times Reporter

By Meghan Millea

Posted Sep. 9, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Sep 9, 2012 at 9:02 AM

By Meghan Millea

Posted Sep. 9, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Sep 9, 2012 at 9:02 AM

DOVER

Fran Brogan steadied himself in his wheelchair. Determined to stand, he gave his full attention to the walker in front of him. Using all of his upper body strength, he lifted himself, allowing his feet to temporarily rest on the floor.

He remained upright for a few moments before exhaustion set in. His oldest son, Frannie, helped him back into his chair.

Fran smiled.

He has come a long way since June 4, when he had back surgery that left him paralyzed from the waist down. The 46-year-old father of four has reason to hope his situation can be reversed.

“My whole thing has been, ‘What do I need to do to walk again?’ ” Brogan said.

Fran didn’t really consider paralysis when he went to Aultman Hospital to have a herniated disk removed. Suffering from a condition called degenerative disks, it was Fran’s fourth back surgery. The spinal cord is a central bundle of nerves responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

While paralysis is always listed as a possibility, Fran said it was an unlikely outcome. He said he was more likely to face paralysis if he didn’t get the surgery.

“It’s kind of a catch 22. So if you don’t have surgery, you can get paralysis anyway,” Brogan said.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d end up like this.”

His biggest supporter has been his wife of nearly 19 years, Dawn. Dawn, 47, was in the waiting room when she told there had been complications with her husband’s surgery.

The Brogans wanted to ensure their children were provided for and Fran would have the therapies and help he needed to deal with the injury.

“We’re going to do whatever we have to do,” Dawn said.

POSITIVE SIGNS

Following the surgery’s outcome, the pair researched rehabilitation centers for those with spinal cord injuries. They discovered Dodd Hall Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus.

Fran said his physical therapists and nurses worked extensively with him. The rehabilitation clinic also provided a support group for spinal cord injuries, where the Brogans had many of their questions answered. Fran said the people he met were very positive, even though most of them had far more severe injuries.

Unlike many people with paralysis, Fran still has control of his bodily functions, and also discovered that he has sensations in his legs.

While Fran was in Columbus, Dawn was overwhelmed by the outpouring and support. She was able to take a leave of absence from her job as a project manager for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, so she could visit her husband. Family and neighbors stepped up to help Dawn bring her four children to their practices and games, watch the kids so Dawn could run errands, and even started a Facebook page called Fran Brogan’s Team, for updates.

Acquaintances and strangers brought food and sent wishes. When Fran came home on July 9, a huge fundraiser was being held in his honor at the Dover Pool.

Having her husband home after a lengthy time away was a “huge relief” for Dawn. Fran had additional health issues following his surgery, including two pulmonary embolisms. He finally had medical leave.

“It was wonderful having him here,” Dawn said.

WHAT’S AHEAD

Dawn said the community’s support has been amazing. She said the staff from Dodd Hall worked hard with Fran, and the family has gained support not only from close friends and family, but from people they’ve never met who’ve sent cards and provided food and prayers.

“You never know what God has in store for you,” Dawn said. “Our faith has been there for us.”

“I think God sent all these people.”

The Brogans credit that support for helping them make numerous adjustments to their home, their daily routines and expectations. They had help making the home handicap accessible and babysitters for the two youngest girls.

Fran said they are constantly learning patience as everything takes longer, from getting ready in the morning, to getting to the restroom, to getting in and out of the car. Every morning, Fran has to stretch for 20 minutes to be able to get out of bed. He wears a special pair of boots to keep his legs and feet in line. And he makes sure he dresses himself, even though the process is difficult.

“It’s so hard to pull your pants up when you’re sitting on them,” he said.

Fran hasn’t been able to return to managing his parents’ store, Williams Furniture. Instead his days are spent in physical therapy, stretching and occasionally swimming. His wife juggles the schedules of their children — Frannie, 16, Connor, 15, Erin, 8, and Taylor, 6, — taking them to football, cross country, gymnastics, art classes and school after recently returning to work.

Perhaps one of the hardest adjustments for Fran is having to lean so heavily on others for help, such as asking his children to grab him a glass of water, once he’s already settled on the couch. They’ve come through for him, he said, saying even at young ages, his children are learning to be more thoughtful.

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They also share in his humor, and take turns riding around in his wheelchair, joining him in the pool and assisting him when he wants to stand.

The Brogans have their share of stress with the bills just recently coming in and the adjustments, however they remain positive. Fran recently passed a test to drive using hand controls and continues to show progress.